Histological study of the protective role of curcumin versus ginger on renal corpuscles of carbon tetrachloride-treated mice

Abstract

Introduction Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has long been known as a model toxicant. Antioxidants are used to antagonize the deleterious action of free radicals. Numerous reports suggest that both curcumin and ginger have antioxidant effects. Aim of the work This work was carried out to compare between the possible protective roles of curcumin and ginger on renal corpuscles of CCl4-treated adult male albino mice using light and electron microscopes. Materials and methods A total of 45 adult male albino mice were used for this study and were divided into four groups: group I served as the control group. Group II received 0.2 ml/kg CCl4 subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks. Group III received CCl4 and curcumin concomitantly at a dose of 80 mg/kg once daily orally for 4 weeks. Group IV received CCl4 and 1 ml of ginger at a dose of 24 mg/ml once daily orally for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, renal specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic study. Morphometric analysis was also carried out on electromicrographs to evaluate for filtration barrier integrity. Results Renal corpuscles of CCl4-treated mice showed shrunken, lobulated, and hypercellular glomeruli with podocytic affection and mesangial cell proliferation. Morphometric analysis displayed disruption of filtration barrier integrity. Both curcumin and ginger resolved most of these morphological alterations. However, ginger was proven to be more potent than curcumin. Conclusions Concomitant administration of ginger with CCl4 has a more protective effect than curcumin on the renal corpuscles of adult male albino mice.